By Niki Kelly | Editor-in-Chief
“This is a beautiful area, and it’s an important area, and it’s really an opportunity for the state to do something in a very cost effective way.” — John Ketzenberger, for The Nature Conservancy in Indiana
Big dollars come with big questions in the secretary of state’s race.
Land that used to house a deadly chemical depot could be part of the state’s wildlife offerings soon.
Have you been to the BMV lately? Indiana is getting rave reviews.
Plus, today’s commentary examines the media’s role in voting.
Indiana secretary of state candidates, from left, Democrat Beau Bayh and Republican Max Engling. (Photos provided by campaigns)
Big money stirs up squabbles in Indiana secretary of state’s race
By Tom Davies
Big-money contributions from out of state have poured fuel into this fall’s expensive campaign for Indiana secretary of state.
Millions of in-state dollars have also flowed into the campaign accounts, along with controversies over some donations, such as $50,000 accepted by Republican candidate Max Engling from a convicted felon.
Democrat Beau Bayh has gained more than $1 million from out-of-state donors — with some of the biggest contributors having longtime ties to his father, former U.S. Sen. Evan Bayh.
The former Newport Chemical Depot property includes forest and agricultural land intended for conservation, prairie restoration and protection of Indiana bat habitat. (Photo by Niki Kelly/Indiana Capital Chronicle)
Indiana DNR plans public wildlife land at former Newport Chemical Depot
By Casey Smith
Fifteen years after agreeing to acquire a large swath of the former Newport Chemical Depot for conservation, Indiana is working to complete the $10 transfer — and planning to manage the additional land without more money or staff.
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources has not yet acquired the roughly 1,705 acres in Vermillion County, according to agency spokesperson Emma Balzer. But she said a 2011 agreement outlining the unusual deal remains in place and its terms have not changed.
COMMENTARY
Michaela White (left) and her roommate Lee Hamersly cast a vote in the primary election May 5, 2026, at Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Indianapolis. (Photo by Brett Phelps/Mirror Indy/CatchLight Local/Report for America)
You’re not crazy. Voting in Indiana is intimidating.
By Tracey Compton
Voting in Indiana is not an easy process. Doing your civic duty requires optimism and nimbleness. There’s very little state voter education, and registration deadlines fall almost a month before the Nov. 3 election.
We have one of the lowest voter turnout rates in the country because most races are not competitive. And, with a supermajority in the state legislature, many think their votes don’t matter.
NATIONAL NEWS
Household water bills are increasing faster than inflation and income, according to a new analysis by the nonprofit Food and Water Watch. (Photo by Sarah Ladd/Kentucky Lantern)
Americans’ water bills are growing faster than groceries, overall inflation
By Kevin Hardy
Household water bills are increasing faster than inflation and income, according to a new analysis.
The environmental advocacy nonprofit Food and Water Watch analyzed water bill data among the nation’s 500 largest community water providers. Those systems serve a collective 155 million people — nearly half the nation’s population.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Indiana BMV offices ranked nation’s best in analysis of reviews | Leslie Bonilla Muñiz
Beckwith urges greater attention on school board races | Indiana Citizen
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